Highland Park expands Senior Connector transportation services

The Highland Park Senior Connector will offer expanded services starting Monday, Feb. 27, by extending hours of operation from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and adding additional stops to better accommodate seniors.

The expanded Senior Connector hours provide transportation later in the afternoon for those residents interested in participating in the afternoon activities at the Senior Center. Additional stops added to the route include Sherwood Forest, CVS and Brooke Estates.

The Senior Connector is a handicapped-accessible bus providing free rides to Highland Park residents aged 50 and older on a fixed route, with stops at residential, medical, retail and other popular locations within the community, including the Highland Park Senior Center and the library.

The revamped Senior Connector service will also provide student transportation from specific schools to the Firehouse Youth Center in the afternoons, which allows the city to eliminate the youth center van. The van had been scheduled for replacement in 2018 at an estimated replacement cost of $45,000. Besides the cost associated with replacement, additional savings will also be recognized due to less maintenance and repair needs associated with the elimination of a vehicle.

For the upcoming Senior Connector schedule, visit www.cityhpil.com/DocumentCenter/View/8585. As always, the Connector Bus Operator will provide complimentary assistance to senior residents with mobile-assistive devices and parcels.

For additional information on the Senior Connector, visit Highland Park's website, www.cityhpil.com, or contact Transit Coordinator Lee Overholser, at (847) 432-3325 or Manager of Youth and Senior Services Laura Frey, at (847) 926-1860.